Those Two Times - David Roth

In the fall of 1966 I was a private in the army

Nineteen years of age and on a plane to Oklahoma

I was kind of shy back then, my face was buried in a book

But still that day I noticed something in the corner of my eye

A passenger was walking down the aisle of the airplane

He had some kind of instrument, and so did several more

Imagine my surprise when I recognized the leader

None other than the legend, Louis Armstrong

Once the plane was cruising Mr. Armstrong stood and walked around

Just chatting with the passengers as easy as you please

He caught sight of my uniform and stopped and asked me for my name

And asked where I was going that «fine day»

This was by far the closest I had ever been to any star

Though spellbound still I mumbled something, nervous as could be

«I'm Private Redman, going for some training, Mr. Armstrong»

He smiled at me, and said that he was going to New Orleans

Two weeks went by, I found myself in Phoenix at the airport

My orders had been changed and I was flying once again

I was riding up an escalator to the second level

When I heard a raspy voice call out my name

«How are you, Mr. Redman, and tell me, how’s your training?»

And there was Louis Armstrong with that big and beautiful smile

Stuck out his hand for me to shake, I fumbled for a piece of paper

Asked him for his autograph, we chatted for a while

I noticed that while we were speaking no one else came close to us

It was just as if this special moment was divinely mine

I’m still amazed he remembered my name

I’ve always tried to do the same

Since meeting Louis Armstrong those two times

«How are you Mr. Redman, and how was your training?»

«I'm quite well, Mr. Armstrong, how was your concert in New Orleans.»